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ITC Member

4M S.A.
Chalandri, Athens Greece
www.4msa.com

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Standard APIs for developing extensions and custom features
Open access to source code to augment powerful CAD features
Cost effective CAD platform
to support a powerful architectural product suite
Familiar CAD user interface combined with DWG file compatibility

"I use the 3D models of 4M IDEA to work interactively with my customers, allowing them to visualize and understand concepts and changes a lot more vividly than simply looking at floor plans. Complex building elements - staircases, roofs, rails and gables - are easily edited through intelligent dialog boxes."

- Artemis Fradelou, Architect and
4M IDEA user

Building Information Modeling (BIM) - 4M

Building Information Modeling Case Study

4M combines technologies to deliver specialized architectural applications

Designers and engineers in Greece and South Eastern Europe who design buildings, draw plans for concrete and steel structures, or plan electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems, have probably heard of 4M. A leader in the architectural CAD industry, 4M has rapidly penetrated the Building Information Modeling (BIM) market by taking advantage of the IntelliCAD customizable CAD platform.

Here's how it works for 4M: the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium (ITC) delivers the IntelliCAD CAD platform with complete APIs, and source code. 4M then adds custom BIM technology and delivers the resulting 4M BIM Verticals product line to its partners and customers. So while 4M creates their product line by combining custom technology with IntelliCAD, architects see a unified product set. The 4M BIM Verticals are widely used by Greek architectural engineering firms for high-profile projects such as the design and construction of the 2004 Olympic projects in Athens, Greece.

4M STRAD, the structural design vertical of the 4M BIM suite includes the latest European codes for reinforced concrete structures and seismic consideration which are used in GT.STRUDL from Georgia Institute of Technology, another 4M development partner.

Switching to IntelliCAD was worth the investment

In 2002, 4M made the decision to change over their product line from another well known CAD application to IntelliCAD with the simple idea that CAD software should be reasonably priced, reliable, and full-featured. Making the change to the IntelliCAD platform was a major commitment for 4M, but their investment has paid off with a positive return on investment in just over two years.

Spiros Papathanasiou, partner and co-founder of 4M commented, "Profits grew because we achieved better economies of scale in our development. We have benefited significantly from the ITC's dynamic and supportive organization, the know-how of the development team, and a shared experience with other ITC members." Babis Charalambopoulos, also 4M partner and co-founder added, "Our customers regularly comment on the new capabilities and stability of our products."

4M also maintains close partnerships with other ITC members to deliver the 4M BIM Verticals in other markets including France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Turkey and others.

Partnering with the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium

When 4M became a commercial member of the ITC, they came to appreciate the open nature of the organization with its clear structure and well thought out agreements.

"Joining the ITC allowed us to develop and deliver market-specific vertical applications with powerful yet familiar CAD functionality combined with well-defined standards and specifications," added Mr. Papathanasiou.

4M has leveraged its membership in the ITC to build a solid brand name in southeastern Europe and continues to seek strong partnerships with other ITC members to extend into new global markets.

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